Norelco Wrinkle Remover Fabric Steamers

CPSC Recall #92-080 — May 3, 1992

Recall Summary

Recall Number92-080
Recall DateMay 3, 1992
Remedy TypeRefund, Replace
Units Affected56,880

Product

Norelco Wrinkle Remover Fabric Steamers

Description

WASHINGTON, DC -- Norelco Consumer Products Company (Norelco), Stamford, CT, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), announced the voluntary replacement of certain fabric steamers sold to consumers beginning in July 1991. The steamer cord presents a possible shock hazard. Affected are certain Norelco Fabric Steamers/Wrinkle Removers, Model TS-60, sold nationwide for approximately $17.00 to $22.00 each. Insulation on the product's cord may have been damaged during the packaging process, leaving a small amount of the wiring exposed. Norelco believes that only fabric steamers sold in blister packaging, not those sold in boxes, may have defective cords. In all, 56,880 steamers were distributed in blister packaging which may have this condition. Consumers are asked to read the date code stamped on the outside of the metal blades of the electric plug. If the first three digits of the four-digit number are 241 through 281, consumers should examine their fabric steamer cords for tears exposing the wiring. If no tears are present, the steamer is safe to use. If tears are present, however, consumers should stop use immediately and return the steamer to the store where purchased for a free replacement or a full refund. Consumers may also return the units by mailing them to: Norelco Consumer Products Company, A Division of North American Phillips Corp., TS-60 Product Return Dept., 440 N. Medinah, Roselle, IL 60172. Please return the steamer by UPS or insured parcel post. Consumers must specify whether they prefer a free replacement steamer or a full refund. All postage costs will be refunded. For additional information, consumers may call Norelco Consumer Affairs at 1-800-253-8000.

Hazard

Insulation in the steamer's cord may have been damaged during packaging, leaving a small amount of wiring exposed. The exposed wiring presents a possible shock hazard.

Remedy Instructions

If your model TS-60's date code (stamped on the metal blade of the plug) begins with 241 through 281 and your cord is damaged, return steamer to retailer for a replacement or refund.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund, Replace at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Refund, Replace) at no cost to you.

No — you should stop using the product entirely, not just unplug it. Electric shock and fire hazards in recalled electrical products often involve internal wiring defects, faulty components, or insulation failures that can cause harm even after the product has been off for a period of time. Do not attempt to repair the product yourself. Keep it unplugged and stored safely until you receive the manufacturer's remedy. If the product has already shown signs of overheating, sparking, or discoloration, handle it carefully and consider contacting your local fire department for guidance on safe disposal.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.